Scrutiny in Bolton
Overview and Scrutiny
The way decisions are made in local government was changed in 2000 in order to make local councils more in touch with local people.
Scrutiny Committees support the work of the Council's Executive and the Council and acts as a check and balance to the Executive's decisions to ensure that decisions are not only in line with Council policy, but also in the public interest. They are in fact similar to to Parliamentary Select Committees.
What is Overview and Scrutiny?
Overview and Scrutiny works in conjunction with the Council, but sets its own agenda on a yearly basis. There are three Overview and Scrutiny Committees aligned closely to the activities of the Council together with a Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee.
Overview and Scrutiny Committees can look at and question any decision of the Executive and those that affect local people. This could be an Executive decision or the decision of an external organisation.
How does it operate?
Each year the Overview and Scrutiny Committees agree on areas for investigation and review. This work is carried out by:
- Checking that the Council is providing good quality services
- Listening to local people and making sure their views are heard by decision makers
- Looking at decisions, policies or issues that affect local people
- Making recommendations about how decisions or services can be improved
For these investigations and reviews, Members gather a range of evidence from relevant stakeholders, including community groups, local residents, professionals working for other organisations and Council employees. This enables them to gather a full picture of the issue, to report back and make any necessary recommendations.
What are Bolton’s Scrutiny Committees?
- Adults, Community and Children's Services Scrutiny Committee
- Corporate and External Issues Scrutiny Committee
- Environmental Services, Regeneration, Housing and Skills Scrutiny Committee
- Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee
Each of the above Committees may hold Scrutiny Panels to investigate a particular topic.
Who supports Scrutiny?
Each Scrutiny Committee and Panel has its own dedicated Scrutiny Officer who undertakes research, organises consultation and briefs Members with relevant information, organise meetings, prepare agendas and minutes, invite people to attend meetings and takes a lead in the drafting of Panel reports.